Court orders ex-director's reinstatement at San Antonio Hospital

The Valparaíso Court of Appeals has ordered the reinstatement of Loreto Maturana as director of the Hospital Claudio Vicuña in San Antonio. The court also mandated the payment of her lost wages following her dismissal.

Maturana's removal in April 2026, just three days after former Minister of Social Development Jeannette Vega joined the hospital as deputy medical director, had sparked controversy. She had been appointed to the position in February 2024 through a high-management public service competition.

The court ruled that the health service director failed to comply with Law No. 19.882, which requires prior, reasoned notification to the High Public Management Council before requesting the resignation of a director. The court found this notification was only provided after Maturana was informed of her dismissal.

Describing the procedure as "illegal and arbitrary," the court noted that the subsequent communication to the council did not rectify the irregularity. It also determined that the stated "loss of trust" was insufficient grounds for the action. Consequently, the court invalidated both the resignation request and the vacancy declaration, ordering Maturana's return and compensation. However, the ruling acknowledges the authority's right to remove directors of exclusive trust, provided future decisions adhere to legal procedures and are well-founded.